Microsoft announced the expansion of the Microsoft Intelligent Network for eyecare (MINE), now AI Network for Healthcare, to create an AI-focused network in cardiology, in partnership with one of the largest health systems in India, Apollo Hospitals.

The announcement was made at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) annual conference and exhibition in Las Vegas. The AI Network for healthcare is part of Microsoft Healthcare NExT aimed to accelerate healthcare innovation through artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The partnership between Microsoft and Apollo will work to develop and deploy new machine learning models to predict patient risk for heart disease and assists doctors on treatment plans. The team is already working on an AI-powered Cardio API (application program interface) platform.

“AI Network for healthcare aims to democratize artificial intelligence by empowering healthcare providers with faster, intuitive and predictable solutions and reducing the disease burden. Our unique partnership with Apollo brings together our learnings in artificial intelligence and machine learning areas and Apollo’s experience and expertise in cardiology. The systems of intelligence we create can change the lives of patients and the work of medical practitioners enabling accessible healthcare to all,” said Dr. Peter Lee, Corporate Vice President, AI & Research, Microsoft.

“This collaboration marks a paradigm shift for patients and the management of non-communicable diseases the world over. Cardiac disease is amongst India’s leading causes of mortality and morbidity, which is exacting a toll on the health and well-being of our citizens. Given our large clinical database and significant pool of clinical talent, this partnership will help impact the global burden of cardiac disease. This collaboration with Microsoft’s path-breaking technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning will help better predict, prevent and manage heart disease in the country. While we commence this in India, we will validate the algorithms and work towards creating a global consortium to tackle multiple conditions in cardiovascular disease,” said Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals.

Commenting on the partnership, said Anil Bhansali, Corporate Vice President, Cloud & Enterprise, Managing Director, Microsoft India (R&D) Private Limited said, “Over the last two years we have been working with a dynamic partner ecosystem of local, regional and global organisations to bring the power of AI to Healthcare. We started with eyecare - and today we are expanding into cardiac care. We have been working with our customers and partners within the healthcare sector to create AI models that can help provide doctors and health care providers insights in their treatment plans. Our partnership with Apollo Hospitals will be a major step in the journey towards providing accessible healthcare to everyone.”

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